The 2025 Autism in Schools Conference was successfully conducted by the Autism Teaching Institute (ATI) on Tuesday, 6 May. This event was the second conference conducted by the ATI and was attended by over 400 registered delegates.

This years’ theme was student wellbeing, and presenters included:

• Professor Dawn Adams from Griffith University who spoke about Autism and Anxiety in the school setting

• Dr Amanda Webster, from the University of Wollongong who spoke about strategies to support the learning and wellbeing of autistic students

• Dr Ru Ying Cai from the University of Melbourne who presented on cultivating self-compassion as a practical strategy for teachers

• Dr Matthew Harrison, Associate Professor in Learning Intervention at the University of Melbourne who led a panel discussion on developing friendships and connectedness.

• Dr Mandira Hiremath presenting on partnerships between schools and health practitioners

• Dr Vicki Bitsika presenting with Speech Pathologist Shadia Hancock on problem solving in the classroom

The Conference incorporated a strong voice from Autistic people, including Daniel and Daryl Giles as well as Callum Gunn delivering powerful and moving messages on their lived experiences as autistic people.